On this episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave sit down with John and Deborah Patt from Desert Diamond Distillery, the first Arizona distillery featured on the podcast. They talk about the origins of the distillery, how it came to be, and what it takes to operate a craft distillery in the Arizona desert. The conversation also touches on the distillery’s award-winning spirits and the recognition they’ve received along the way. Throughout the episode, Dan and Dave taste and discuss a wide variety of offerings, including rum, whiskey, and agave spirits, exploring flavors, production methods, and what makes Desert Diamond Distillery stand out.

On this Cocktail Hour from Distilling the West, Dan is joined by guest host Oliver as they dive into one of the most iconic cocktails of all time—the Manhattan. From its storied origins to the balance between whiskey, vermouth, and bitters, they explore what makes a Manhattan timeless, debate rye versus bourbon, and share tips on dialing in the perfect stir. A classic cocktail, thoughtfully unpacked, West-style.

On this special year-end episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave take a moment to reflect on an incredible year. They thank all of the guests who joined them behind the mic, as well as the listeners who tuned in, shared episodes, and supported the show throughout the year.

The conversation turns a bit more personal as they talk about holiday activities, traditions, and how they’re spending the season away from the studio.